Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/249



[After a short silence.] You made an unwise choice, I fear, when you married.

I had practically no choice in the matter. And, you see, one feels a need for companionship as one begins to get on in years. And so crushed as I then was—so utterly broken down

[Jumping up in anger.] Is this meant for me? A reproach!

[Alarmed.] No, no, for Heaven's sake, John Gabriel!

Yes, you are thinking of the disaster to the bank, I can see you are!

[Soothingly.] But I don't blame you for that! Heaven forbid!

[Growling, resumes his seat.] Well, that is a good thing, at any rate.

Besides, you mustn't think it is my wife that I complain of. It is true she has not much